changescapeweb, Author at Sandra Meranda

February 5, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Housing Starts Jump in December

Ready for some good news on Housing Starts and New Construction? iStock_000010340464XSmall-300x300

Housing starts in December were highest since summer 2008

The annual rate was 954,000, up 12.1% from November

For the year, builders started work on 780,000 homes, up 28% from 2011

The National Association of Home Builders has predicted that single family home starts will rise 35% this year over last.

Rising home prices have also convinced buyers that the housing market has hit bottom. CoreLogic says home prices were up 7.4% in November over the same month last year.

Read the full USA Today article Housing Starts Jump in December

Spring is just around the corner! It is never too early to start your home search or get your home ready for the Spring market. This past year was the busiest year we had in home sales in 5 years. This year could be even better! There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering around 3.5%! Call me at 314-691-1320 for details today! Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

January 22, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Top Cities Where America Wants to Live

iStock_000016225671XSmall-300x199 Americans seemed to search Realtor.com in 2012 for homes in milder climates. In fact 7 of the top 12 cities searched are in the southern part of the U.S. Warm weathered cities dominated the list, with only Chicago being in the Top 7. It’s important to work with a certified relocation specialist when moving to a new area.

Cities that made the Top 7 list include:

7. Los Angeles, CA

6. Phoenix, AZ

5. San Antonio, TX

4. Orlando, FL

3. Miami, FL

2. Chicago, IL

1. Las Vegas, NV
Find out why these cities topped the list!

If you know someone who is thinking about leaving the St. Louis area, or moving into the St. Louis area, I am a nationally certified relocation specialist with Coldwell Banker Gundaker, covering the entire St. Charles and St. Louis county areas. I specialize in assisting buyers who are moving into this area, helping them find their dream home and assisting with all aspects of their move. I also assist the home sellers by getting their homes ready to be sold for the most money possible and in the shortest amount of time. I love to work with relocating folks!

Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

January 8, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Has the Housing Market Turned the Corner?

According to Fannie Mae’s December Monthly economic outlook, the housing market has turned the corner, with home prices, sales and mortgage rates pointing to continued growth. “The housing market has turned the corner and a sustained recovery is under way,” the report said, despite some significant challenges that remain ahead, including tight lending conditions, uncertainty surrounding mortgage regulations, and the fiscal cliff.

Home prices has been strengthening for the last several months, and are expected to end the year on a positive note for the first time in six years, Fannie Mae economists said.
Existing-home sales, new-home sales and single-family housing starts are expected to see substantial increases from last year.

Rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are projected to average 3.7 percent this year and decline to 3.4 percent in 2013. Homebuilder confidence also rose to a six-year high.

Read Fannie Mae’s full report

December 23, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

2012 NORAD Tracks Santa

Christmas Eve is almost here! If you want to know where Santa is then here you go – the 2012 NORAD Santa Tracker!

Good Luck Santa! Happy Holidays and have a Merry Christmas! Be safe everyone!

December 19, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Pending Home Sales Rise in October

Pending Home Sales for October 2012 rose 5.8% over September and by 13.2% over October 2011. This is the busiest year we have had in home sales in 5 years! It is the prime time of year for buying and selling real estate. There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering around 3.5% !! The home sale numbers have been increasing every month since June 2011.

WASHINGTON (November 29, 2012) – Pending home sales rose strongly in October with mixed regional results, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. noted there are clear regional patterns. “Contract activity surged in the Midwest”.

If you are thinking about selling a home in St. Charles or St. Louis Counties, working with a Real Estate expert than knows the St. Charles and St. Louis County market can really help you. Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

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